Yes, Goa’s got sun, sand, and shacks—but step off the shoreline and you’ll find a whole other side: lush hinterlands, sleepy Latin quarters, ancient temples, spice trails, and quiet villages where time slows down. Here’s where to go when you’re ready to trade the beach towel for a little wanderlust.
1. Fontainhas, Panjim
🎨 Goa’s Latin Quarter is a pastel dream with winding lanes, tiled homes, art galleries, and that old-world Portuguese charm.
Don’t Miss: The bright blue Chapel of St. Sebastian and a coffee at Café Bodega
Perfect For: Culture lovers and Instagram explorers
2. Divar Island
⛴️ Just a short ferry ride from Old Goa, this island feels like a portal to another time—lush fields, sleepy churches, and zero rush.
Don’t Miss: A cycle ride through the villages and Bonderam Festival (if you’re lucky)
Perfect For: Offbeat adventurers
3. Tambdi Surla Temple
🛕 Tucked in the Western Ghats, this 12th-century black basalt temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and surrounded by forests.
Don’t Miss: The drive through Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Perfect For: History buffs and nature seekers
4. Chandor & Its Mansions
🏛️ Once a bustling capital, now home to grand Portuguese mansions with secret passageways and dusty chandeliers.
Don’t Miss: A guided tour of Menezes Braganza House
Perfect For: Architecture lovers and heritage nerds
5. Spice Plantations, Ponda
🌿 Walk through nutmeg trees, cardamom shrubs, and pepper vines while sipping herbal tea and chatting with planters.
Don’t Miss: Traditional Goan lunch served on banana leaves
Perfect For: Foodies and curious souls
💡 Roam Offbeat, Pay with Ease
Exploring Goa’s hidden gems? Whether you’re at a spice farm or a heritage café, use Mony to scan and pay via UPI—even if you’re visiting from abroad. No cash? No problem. 🌍